The question of whether pumpkin is a fruit or a vegetable has the potential to shake the foundations of science. Find out here why pumpkin meets the criteria for both categories - how the botanists still get it right.
Is pumpkin a fruit or vegetable?
Is pumpkin fruit or vegetable? Pumpkin meets criteria in both categories: Botanically speaking, it is a fruit because it arises from a pollinated flower, but according to the food definition it is a vegetable. Therefore, pumpkin is called a “fruit vegetable”.
Clearly ambiguous – steadfast refusal to attribute
At the latest when home-grown pumpkin is to be incorporated into a balanced diet, the question arises: Is pumpkin a fruit or vegetable? So here are the scientific definitions to assign it correctly:
- Definition of fruit: fruits that arise from flowers of perennial plants, are eaten raw and grow on trees or bushes
- Definition of vegetables: edible parts of once-bearing plants that are eaten cooked and grow on the ground
Cherries, pears and apples are clearly fruit. There is also clarity with carrots, leeks and cauliflower. And pumpkin? The pulp is mainly consumed raw. A pumpkin thrives on an annual plant on the ground.
A final attempt at clear categorization is based on the method of consumption. We enjoy fruit with sugar and vegetables with s alt and pepper. Honestly, pumpkin varieties like 'Little Sweet' or 'Mandarin' with s alt and pepper? – no thanks.
A Solomonic compromise: fruit vegetables
The scientists found a way out of the dilemma when they reconciled the botanical definition of fruit with the food definition of vegetables. The brilliant result is: fruit vegetables.
Since a pumpkin arises from a pollinated flower, it is considered a fruit according to the botanical definition. Since it is only cultivated as an annual in the bed and on the balcony, it is classified as a vegetable according to the food definition - the logical conclusion: fruit vegetables.
And decorative pumpkins? – Don’t quibble
With regard to ornamental pumpkins, the classification then becomes completely irrelevant. This refers to the pumpkin varieties that have a high ornamental value but are also inedible. Since they contain a bitter substance that is harmful to he alth, consumption causes severe nausea and stomach problems. From this perspective, they are more likely to be considered poisonous plants.
Decorative pumpkins, however, more than make up for their inedibility with an enchanting to bizarre appearance. Varieties such as the cheerful, colorful 'Shenot Crowns' or 'Autumn Wing' with the long swan neck are undoubtedly worth growing in the garden.
With the cultivation of ornamental pumpkins, hobby gardening is transformed into the art of gardening, which is celebrated with great commitment. What does it matter that it's neither fruit nor vegetables?
Tips & Tricks
The dual classification of pumpkin as fruit and vegetables as fruit vegetables does not mean that the plant gets along with all members of both categories. A mixed culture with potatoes, dill or cucumbers is just as unfavorable as a neighborhood with melons. However, if you plant pumpkin with a ring of onions and peas, both cultures benefit from each other.